There is provided a nitrogen fertilizer granule in which the nitrogen release can be timed and the nitrogen release rate can be controlled according to the needs of the plants to be fertilized. The smart release nitrogen-containing fertilizer granule comprises a nitrogen-containing fertilizer core; an organic functional layer covering the core, wherein the organic functional layer comprises at least one functional organic compound that is an enzyme inhibitor, a microbial suppressor, a phosphorus solubilizer, and/or a plant hormone; a controlled release layer covering the organic functional layer, wherein the controlled release layer comprises water-swellable copolymeric nanoparticles; and an anticaking layer covering the controlled release layer, wherein the anticaking layer comprises water-insoluble copolymeric nanoparticles.